Quite often, a loved one passes away unexpectedly, and a family is unprepared for the financial burden of laying them to rest. As part of our commitment to Family helping Family, KW Cares offers funeral grants. We want to make sure no one needs to struggle in a difficult time.
Katie’s Story
On May 30, 2025, Katie’s mother and OPS manager at the Jacksonville Business Center, Dee, died suddenly and unexpectedly from previously undiagnosed medical conditions, devastating her family and KW colleagues. She was at the office that morning, went home feeling unwell, and in the afternoon, she was gone.
To extend loving support, Dee’s Market Center guided her daughter Katie to apply for an Emergency Funeral Grant, and KW Cares stepped in to provide essential funeral expenses. The Market Center also paid for an extra month of rent, so Katie and her family had enough time to gather Dee’s belongings.
“The KW Cares grant covered my mom’s funeral expenses, which allowed us to honor her memory with the dignity and love she deserved. It gave us the ability to focus on saying goodbye and celebrating her life, rather than stressing over how to afford everything in such a short amount of time. The financial relief lifted a massive burden off our shoulders, and in many ways, it gave us space to grieve without the added weight of financial worry.”
Katie got married in August 2025, and while Dee wasn’t able to be there in person, Katie does have three siblings. Thankfully, Dee was with Katie when she “said ‘yes’ to the dress,” and she hosted a lovely bridal shower in the spring.
How You Help through KW Cares
KW Cares helped cover funeral expenses for dozens of families last year. You can help make sure everyone is laid to rest with dignity.
Your gifts to KW Cares help associates and their family members, like Katie, during times of grief. Please donate today!
“Receiving a KW Cares grant has been a profound blessing to my family and me during the most devastating time of our lives. Losing my mom so suddenly left us heartbroken and overwhelmed—not only emotionally but financially as well. In the midst of grief, KW Cares stepped in and gave us the support we didn’t even know how to ask for. It felt like someone had reached out their hand and said, ‘You’re not alone.’”
